[Dialogue] Consensus

[FacilitationFla at aol.com]

I've used this in my facilitation classes for quite a few years; Gary  Forbes 
and I created the definition.  The other information I gathered over  the 
years. 
Consensus  Definition:  
“Consensus is that everyone  has participated in, understands, and is  
committed to supporting the  group decision.”

A lasting  agreement has 3 components: 
1.  Content  Satisfaction 
“I understand the decision; I can support the  group decision.” 
This is more powerful than the usual “I can live with the decision” 
It means  that given the time we have to discuss and the  
need to make a decision by a certain time/date,  this is the best  
decision we can make now as a group. 
As in a wedding when  people are asked to ‘speak now or  
forever  hold their peace’.  It is also a commitment not to  
downgrade the decision after the meeting. 
2.  Procedural  Satisfaction: 
“I participated in the  process.” 
I offered up my ideas and people listened to me; facilitation  
processes were utilized to maximize participation.

3.   Psychological  Satisfaction: 
“I felt I was treated with respect during the  process.” 
No one put me down; the facilitator protected me so that  my ideas 
and explanation of my ideas were heard and considered  seriously. 




Cynthia N.  Vance, M. A.
Strategics International Inc.
Miami, Florida Office:  305-378-1327
Venice, Florida Office: 941-483-9165
_http://members.aol.com/facilitationfla_ 
(http://members.aol.com/facilitationfla) 

Want  to build your own facilitation skills? 
Want to meet facilitators from around  the world and in your own backyard? 
Mark your calendar for the International  Assoc. of Facilitators Conference 
2008
Atlanta, Georgia -- April 10-12, 2008  See _www.iaf-world.org_ 
(http://www.iaf-world.org/) 




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